Janakpurdham: The 15-day historical Mithila Madhyamiki Parikrama, which began from Kouchari in Dhanusha, is currently underway. Thousands of devotees from Nepal and India are participating in this significant event. The pilgrimage involves a 133-kilometer march by foot, during which devotees stop at 15 different places of religious significance, with 11 of these locations in Nepal and four in India.
According to National News Agency Nepal, this festival has been observed since the 18th century and is set to conclude on Fagu Purnima, which falls on the upcoming Friday, March 14, in the Terai region this year. The devotees hold a belief that they are accompanied by the presence of Lord Ramchandra and Goddess Sita, referred to as Sita Mata, throughout their journey. Culture expert Dhruba Raya of Jaleshwar municipality-5 mentioned, “Their faith is that the deities travel with them during the festival.”
Traditionally, it is believed that participating in this circumambulatory religious march helps eliminate sins and injustices caused by mind, words, and deeds. It is also thought to fulfill one’s wishes and bring about enlightenment, as explained by local Hindu priest Upendra Pathak. The festival, known as the ‘Mahakumbha of Mithila’, is considered a symbol of religious, cultural, and mutual goodwill between Nepal and India.
The event commences on the auspicious hour of the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Fagun, known as Fagun Shukla Pratipada, in the lunar calendar. Janakpurdham, recognized as the birthplace of Sita, is situated in the historical Mithila kingdom. King Janak of Mithila initiated this ‘parikrama yatra’ based on the Kalyaneshwar, Jaleshwor, Kshireshwar, and Sapteshwar Shivalayas, or Lord Shiva temples, constructed in all four corners of Janakpur, the ancient capital of Mithila.